Nathan Law

Nathan Law is a prominent pro-democracy activist and political rights advocate, recognized for his leadership during Hong Kong's Umbrella Movement. Law served as one of the student leaders during the 79-day protest, participating as one of five representatives in dialogue with the government on political reform. Committed to non-violent civic action, Law, Joshua Wong, and other student leaders founded Demosistō and ran for the Legislative Council election. At age 23, Law was elected to serve as a legislator for Hong Kong Island, becoming the youngest lawmaker in the history of the Legislative Council of Hong Kong. His tenure was brief, as his seat was later overturned following Beijing's constitutional reinterpretation, drawing international criticism. Law, along with Joshua Wong and Alex Chow, was jailed for several months for participating in the Civic Square protest.

Law's activism has been recognized internationally. He and fellow activists were nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize by U.S. and British lawmakers. Law was included by Time Magazine as one of the 100 Most Influential People and won the Time100 Reader's Poll. He was also named to Foreign Policy's Global Thinker list, awarded the Democracy Medal from the IAPC, and received the Magnitsky Human Rights Award. Law has met with global leaders, including U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, to discuss Hong Kong's political situation and human rights issues in Tibet and Xinjiang.

After the enactment of the National Security Law, Law left for London and began self-exile. He was later granted political asylum. Law continued his international advocacy, becoming a Pritzker Fellow at the University of Chicago's Institute of Politics and receiving an honorary doctorate from Washington & Jefferson College, where he delivered the commencement address. He is also a Millennium Fellow. Despite his exile, Hong Kong authorities have continued to pursue him, issuing an arrest warrant and a HK$1 million bounty for his apprehension.

Law documented his experiences in the book "Freedom: How We Lose It and How We Fight Back," co-authored with Evan Fowler. The book won the Foreword INDIES Gold Award and was shortlisted for the Parliamentary Book Award for Best Political Book. In it, Law explores the meaning of freedom and the fragility of civil liberties. His story was also featured in the PBS/POV documentary "Who's Afraid of Nathan Law?" which brought his journey to a wider audience.

Since leaving Hong Kong, Law has remained a vocal advocate for political rights and democracy, frequently writing, speaking, and amplifying voices from Hong Kong. His firsthand experience with authoritarianism, imprisonment, exile, and international diplomacy positions him as an authoritative voice on democracy, human rights, and the global rise of authoritarianism.